Hse Hav Meter Vs Diy Imu Logger What Differs Uk
Direct answer: a DIY IMU logger is not a substitute for an HSE-ready HAV measurement system in the UK. It can still be useful for maintenance teams who want an operational acceleration log from a pump, fan or motor before deciding whether to bring in specialist measurement.
The regulatory boundary
The boundary is competence and purpose. HSE distinguishes monitoring from formal vibration measurement. In HSE measurement and monitoring guidance, workplace vibration measurements require suitable data, specialised equipment and a competent person where direct measurement is needed. That is a much higher bar than attaching a general IMU to a machine casing.
The employer-facing HSE INDG175 hand-arm vibration guide is the right starting point for legal duty, exposure action values and control measures. A DIY logger should not be used to declare compliance, calculate official A(8) exposure, or reassure workers that a tool is safe.
Where a DIY IMU logger still helps
- Finding when an intermittent machine fault occurs.
- Comparing before-and-after behaviour after bearing replacement.
- Producing a time-series plot that helps a manager approve a professional inspection.
- Logging tilt and acceleration where the question is equipment behaviour, not employee exposure.
Decision table
| Question | Use DIY IMU? | Use professional HAV route? |
|---|---|---|
| Are you assessing legal hand-arm vibration exposure? | No | Yes |
| Are you troubleshooting a pump that sometimes vibrates? | Yes, as an operations log | Only if worker exposure or certified measurement is involved |
| Do you need m/s2 A(8) exposure values? | No | Yes |
| Do you need a quick CSV trend for a maintenance meeting? | Yes | Not necessarily |
Stop conditions
Stop treating the DIY log as enough if the data will affect employee exposure decisions, insurance evidence, statutory risk assessment, or procurement of safety controls. At that point, use competent advice and appropriate measurement equipment.
If your need is explicitly an operations log, not statutory HAV assessment, a same-site Bluetooth IMU such as WT901BLE5.0 can be considered only as a data logger for maintenance investigation.
FAQ
Can I put the CSV in Excel?
Yes, for internal trend exploration. That does not turn it into a legal HAV measurement.
Can a DIY IMU show a resonance pattern?
It may help you spot repeatable behaviour, but confirm critical findings with suitable instrumentation.